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1997 Chevrolet Venture

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Venture do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 220.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 91 of 432 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports10 fire reports11 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

41 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE ASSISTED WHEN GOING THROUGH SHALLOW PUDDLE. BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, IT WAS RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS WET WITH SOME PUDDLE IN THE ROAD. WHEN I HAVE TO USE THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, I HAVE TO GO THROUGH SOME…

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LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE ASSISTED WHEN GOING THROUGH SHALLOW PUDDLE. BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, IT WAS RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS WET WITH SOME PUDDLE IN THE ROAD. WHEN I HAVE TO USE THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, I HAVE TO GO THROUGH SOME WATER THAT PONDED ALONG THE GUTTER LINE, THE STEERING SEIZE ON ME AND REQUIRED FORCEFUL TURN. BRAKE PADDLE WAS HARD TO PRESS AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE APPROPRIATELY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #764204

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET BLEW AND FILLED THE ENGINE WITH WATER, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4 ENGINE THAT GM IS AWARE OF. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS FALLEN OFF THE VAN 4 TIMES SINCE WE HAVE HAD DEALER FIXED 3 TIMES THEN IT WAS OUT OF WARRENTY. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING WHEN THE VAN HAD 100…

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THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET BLEW AND FILLED THE ENGINE WITH WATER, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 3.4 ENGINE THAT GM IS AWARE OF. THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS FALLEN OFF THE VAN 4 TIMES SINCE WE HAVE HAD DEALER FIXED 3 TIMES THEN IT WAS OUT OF WARRENTY. THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING WHEN THE VAN HAD 1000 MILES ON IT AND CONTINUE TO THIS DAY. GM SAYS THEY ARE DESIGNED LIKE THAT. THE SEAT BELTS IN THE VAN COME UNLATCHED AT ANY TIME, THE BELTS IN THE REAR WILL CONTIUALLY TIGHTEN WHEN YOU HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD. GM TOLD US THAT WE WERE NOT USING THE SEATBELTS PROPERLY. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING STARTED MAKING A GROWLING NOISE IMMIDIATLY FOLLOWING THE WARRENTY RUNNING OUT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #763298

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2002
Exterior LightingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

HEADLAMP FELL OUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, NEVER DID FIND IT. ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE MALFUNCTIONING, VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, TRANSMISSION WENT OUT VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR, ESPECIALLY WITH SO LITTLE MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THESE PROBLEMS THAT I AM REPORTING ARE VERY COMMOM AND NEED SOME ATTENTION GRANTED TO THEM. VEHICLES COST SO MU…

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HEADLAMP FELL OUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, NEVER DID FIND IT. ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE MALFUNCTIONING, VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE, TRANSMISSION WENT OUT VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR, ESPECIALLY WITH SO LITTLE MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. THESE PROBLEMS THAT I AM REPORTING ARE VERY COMMOM AND NEED SOME ATTENTION GRANTED TO THEM. VEHICLES COST SO MUCH AND THEN WHEN YOU HAVE TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO THEM IT CAN FINANCIALLY DRAIN YOU. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #761127

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

CONSUMER STATES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE THE ABS WOULD INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE ON DRY SURFACE WHICH COULD LEAD IN A VEHICLE CRASH, MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. NLM

NHTSA ODI #8007987

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #752516

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED BECAUSE OF CIRCUIT BOARD ACCORDING TO THE DEALER . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAIL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #888487

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2001
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF VEHICLE STARTING HARD. VEHICLE IS NOW ACTING UP AGAIN AND WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME STARTING IT. ALSO, THE VEHICLE IS STILL MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE SHOCKS LAST YEAR AND HAD THEM REPLACED. OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS N…

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FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OF VEHICLE STARTING HARD. VEHICLE IS NOW ACTING UP AGAIN AND WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME STARTING IT. ALSO, THE VEHICLE IS STILL MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE SHOCKS LAST YEAR AND HAD THEM REPLACED. OBVIOUSLY THIS WAS NOT THE CORRECT ANSWER!!! BRAKES WERE ALSO REPLACED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. BRAKES STILL FEEL SOFT AND ARE MAKING A GRINDING/SQUEALING NOISE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #742026

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REBUILT, NEW FUEL PUMP, FRONT/REAR SHOCKS & STRUTS,INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, BRAKES. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING EXTREMELY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA ODI #738375

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

TOLD DEALER THAT ENGINE IS KNOCKING/MAKING A TICKING SOUND. CAN HEAR IT CLEARLY FROM WITHIN OR OUTSIDE OF THE VAN. TOOK IT TO DEALER ONCE ALREADY AND WILL BE TAKING IT AGAIN ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2000 FOR TESTING. ENGINE IS ALSO TAKING LONGER TO START...HARD START NO MATTER IF HOT/COLD START. ALREADY HAD TO HAVE NEW BRAKES, …

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TOLD DEALER THAT ENGINE IS KNOCKING/MAKING A TICKING SOUND. CAN HEAR IT CLEARLY FROM WITHIN OR OUTSIDE OF THE VAN. TOOK IT TO DEALER ONCE ALREADY AND WILL BE TAKING IT AGAIN ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2000 FOR TESTING. ENGINE IS ALSO TAKING LONGER TO START...HARD START NO MATTER IF HOT/COLD START. ALREADY HAD TO HAVE NEW BRAKES, SHOCKS AND STRUTS PUT ON THE VEHICHLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #734269

Mileage unknown · May 26, 2000
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

CAR SHUT DOWN ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. INSPECTION AFTER SECOND FAILURE AT AUTO SHOP INDICATED FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR UNDER LEFT MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT WAS FILLED WITH WATER AND SEVERELY CORRODED, CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORT. SIMILAR CONNECTOR FOR ABS BRAKES ALSO SHOWS SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT YET FAILED. MECHAN…

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CAR SHUT DOWN ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASSIONS. INSPECTION AFTER SECOND FAILURE AT AUTO SHOP INDICATED FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR UNDER LEFT MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT WAS FILLED WITH WATER AND SEVERELY CORRODED, CAUSING ELECTRICAL SHORT. SIMILAR CONNECTOR FOR ABS BRAKES ALSO SHOWS SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT YET FAILED. MECHANIC ASKED FOR REPLACEMENT PIGTAIL. GM TOLD THEM ONLY ENTIRE HARNESS WAS AVAILABLE (ENGINE HARNESS ETC). SHOP CUT CONNECTOR OFF AND SPLICED WIRES WITH SOLDER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #723239

Official recalls

6

04V597000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Dec 22, 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, GM ADVISES OWNERS TO NOT USE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE DRIVER CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FROM SWITCHES AT THE DRIVER'S POSITION OR BY USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB. THE DRIVER SHOULD TELL PASSENGERS TO USE THE SWITCH LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE DOOR TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT. THE DRIVER SHOULD USE THE OVERRIDE SWITCH TO PREVENT OPERATION OF THE POWER DOOR BY CHILDREN OR BY OTHERS WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH ITS USE. THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER MAILING WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON MAY 31, 2005. THE SECOND PHASE MAILING BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2005. PHASE 2 BEGAN ON JULY 18, 2005. PHASE 3 (FINAL PHASE) BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2005, TO ALL REMAINING CUSTOMERS. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668; OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

02V286000 · Steering:rack And Pinion

Nov 4, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

01V264000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Aug 21, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1997-2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA/TRANSPORT, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS THAT WERE SERVICED IN CAMPAIGN 01013 (01V-067) FROM APRIL TO AUGUST 2001. ALSO 2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA, AND OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS ASSEMBLED IN JANUARY THROUGH APRIL 2001. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INADEQUATE FRONT WELDS. IF A FRONT WELD FAILS, THE ACTUATOR CAN JAM IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION AND, WHEN THE SLIDING DOOR CLOSES, IT WILL NOT BE LATCHED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, INSTALL A NEW POWER SLIDING DOOR UNLATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

01V067000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Mar 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOORS. THE DOOR CLOSES BUT MAY NOT BE LATCHED. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE POWER SLIDING DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE ASCENDS A HILL, MAKES A TURN, OR TRAVELS OVER A ROUGH ROAD SURFACE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE VAN AND BE INJURED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW UN-LATCH ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY TO THE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN CONTINUED UNDER SAFETY RECALL 01V-264. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

98V145000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner

Jun 26, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON BUCKET SEATS AND ON THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ROLL A BUCKET SEAT FORWARD, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IN THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE MECHANISM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTER REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT.

98V072000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Apr 7, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE ARM CAN CONTACT A BRAKE LINE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM MODULATOR VALVE. THIS CONTACT CAN CHAFE THE BRAKE LINE RESULTING IN A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRAKE LINE CLIP TO ENSURE PROPER CLEARANCE. ALSO THE BRAKE LINES WILL BE INSPECTED TO ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS CONDITION AND WILL REPLACE ANY DAMAGED LINES.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

8

DP04002 · Rack And Pinion Steering Unit Failure

Opened Feb 3, 2004 · Closed Mar 17, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:rack And Pinion:rack

MR. DENNIS FIKE OF ELKRIDGE, MD, SUBMITTED A PETITION TO NHTSA BY LETTER DATED JANUARY 13, 2004, ALLEGING THAT A GM DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VAN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN SAFETY RECALL 02V286 AND CHARGED HIM FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT.MR. FIKE BELIEVES THAT HIS VAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED AND THAT THE REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED WITHOUT CHARGE TO HIM.THE RECALL IN QUESTION ADDRESSED STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT LOWER PINION BEARING FAILURES ON CERTAIN MY 1996 THROUGH 1998 GM VEHICLES.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PINION BEARING.IF THE INSPECTION INDICATED THAT THE BEARING FAILURE DAMAGED THE STEERING GEAR, THEN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS BE REPLACED.GM INFORMED ODI THAT MR. FIKE?S VEHICLE WAS COVERED AND THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED ON FEBRUARY 25, 2003.THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION UNIT WAS REPLACED.BECAUSE MR. FIKE HAD A SUBSEQUENT FAILURE WITH THIS UNIT, ON JANUARY 20, 2004, ODISUGGESTED THAT HE CONTACT THE DEALER FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE CHARGE FOR REPLACING THE FAILED RACK AND PINION UNIT IN HIS VEHICLE BECAUSE GM WARRANTS ITS REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES, WHICH EVER COMES FIRST.MR. FIKE INFORMED ODI ON MARCH 3, 2004, THAT HE HAD RECEIVED AN REIMBURSEMENT CHECK FROM GM.

EA03005 · Rear Axle Trailing Arm Failure

Opened Apr 23, 2003 · Closed Jan 12, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:rear

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:rear

ON NOVEMBER 18, 2002, ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE02-086) TO EVALUATE ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (U-VAN) WHICH INCLUDED TWO REPORTING CRASHES.ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI UPGRADED PE02-086 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-005) TO CONTINUE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUE. THE TRAILING ARM DESIGN IN THESE VEHICLES HAS BEEN USED IN THE U-VAN FROM MY 1997 THROUGH THE PRESENT.THE GM ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT THE SUBJECT TRAILING ARMS COULD CRACK OR BUCKLE IF THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY, PRE-DELIVERY HANDLING, OR SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN SERVICE RELATED ABUSE CONDITIONS SUCH AS IMPROPER TOWING OR JACKING.ANALYSIS OF ODI AND GM DATA HAS IDENTIFIED 19 INCIDENTS OF REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO NEW REPORTS TO ODI OR GM IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND ONLY ONE NEW COMPLAINT IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS. DUE TO THE LOW COMPLAINT RATE AND THE ABSENCE OF A CONTINUING TREND IN REPORTED FAILURES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

EA02032 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure

Opened Nov 18, 2002 · Closed Nov 21, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

ODI IDENTIFIED 59 REPORTS WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ODI WAS ABLE TO CONTACT 44 OF THE 59 CONSUMERS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE LATCH PROBLEMS.OF THE 44 OWNERS CONTACTED, ODI DETERMINED THAT FOUR FAILURES WERE DUE TO AN OUT-OF-TOLERANCE LATCH PLATE, AND THAT 23 FAILURES WERE DUE TO A DISPLACED BUCKLE HOUSING COVER.THE REMAINING 17 FAILURES HAD INDETERMINABLE CAUSES.OF THE 59 REPORTS, THERE WERE THREE ALLEGED MINOR INJURIES.NO LEGAL CLAIMS OR LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH REGARD TO THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS, AND A DECLINING REPORT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEARED TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE ADDITIONAL SUMMARY REPORT.

EA02003 · Power Rack And Pinion Steering Failure

Opened Apr 4, 2002 · Closed Dec 10, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:rack And Pinion

THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

Steering:rack And Pinion

THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.

PE02017 · Shoulder Harness Clip

Opened Feb 11, 2002 · Closed Aug 2, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

No summary supplied.

PE01038 · Steering Rack And Pinion

Opened Nov 14, 2001 · Closed Apr 4, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN.ALL CRASHES WERE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES.GM STATES THAT ONE POSSIBLE FAILURE MODE IS FAILURE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE R&P.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE IF A SAFETY DEFECT TREND EXISTS.

SQ00014 · Unexpected Opening Of Sliding Door

Opened Jul 25, 2000 · Closed Oct 22, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE98030 · Finger Cutting/pinching

Opened May 15, 1998 · Closed Jun 30, 1998

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS INDICATING INJURIES OCCURRED TO CONSUMERS WHILE THEY WER FOLDING A SECOND ROW SEAT TO GAIN ACCES TO THE REAR OR THIRD ROW SEATS.WHEN FOLDING THE SEAT A PORTION OF THE SEAT FRAME MOVES IN A SCISSOR ACTION.TWO OF THE CONSUMERS SEVERED THE END OF THEIR FINGER AND THE THIRD SUFFERED A PINCHED FINGER.ALL REQUIRED EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.